Raising awareness through Glasgow's March for Men

Marlene lost her father to prostate cancer only ten weeks after he was diagnosed

Marlene’s father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005, aged 62. His diagnosis came by chance, after he slipped on some ice while out walking the dog and had to go to the doctors due to an injury to his hip. His hip never improved and he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.

'He was a very strong, fit and healthy man and until his diagnosis, we hadn’t noticed any symptoms. He had a bad back which he would regularly get massages for and any other small niggles he had, he put down to his age,' says Marlene.

Sadly, ten weeks later, Marlene’s father passed away, with the doctors explaining that due to the late diagnosis, there was very little they could do.

'It definitely bought us closer as a family and we really had to rally together. My mother found it especially hard, as it was all so quick. She was in denial for the majority of the time; it didn’t seem possible that there wasn’t anything anyone could do, that it was too late.'

As a result of her father’s death, Marlene has a very positive outlook on life, taking every opportunity and not taking anything for granted. However, prostate cancer is something that she needs to be aware of, as genetics mean that her son, Lochlan, is at a greater risk. Especially as her partner Steven’s grandfather also passed away due to the disease.

'We didn’t find out until recently that Steven’s grandfather also died of prostate cancer. He kept it away from the family. We are very mindful that Lochlan is at a greater risk and it’s something we will ensure he knows about and is aware of,' says Marlene.

It definitely bought us closer as a family and we really had to rally together.

Marlene and her family are now doing all they can to raise awareness of the disease. They are joining in the Glasgow March for Men for Prostate Cancer UK and encourage other families to do the same.

Inspired by Marlene?

Join hundreds of other walkers at our London, Leeds or Glasgow March for Men in June.

Organising your own walk with family, friends or colleagues is a great way to help beat prostate cancer.